1960 Chevy Impala Convertible

If you wanted to to arrive in style in 1960 then a Chevy Impala Convertible was a good choice and particularly eye-catching in Roman Red paint. What’s more they were almost half the price of a Cadillac convertible at the time.

For 1960 we saw a brand new, oval-shaped grille that enclosed the dual headlamps. Chevrolet was describing their new cars as, “Nearest to perfection a low-priced car ever came!”

Impala was introduced in 1958 as part of the Bel Air series, for 1959 became its own series and was now top-of-the-line for Chevrolet.

Side view of a 1960 Chevy Impala Convertible with the top up
side view with the top up

Check out those distinctive side moldings, bright rear end panel and triple rear lights.

You can see the short chrome molding that extends back from the headlights that has two horizontal bar moldings above and below it – this was unique to the Impala. Also distinct to the Impala was the triple taillight configuration that was originally used in 1958 and reintroduced this year.

Rear view of a 60 Chevy Impala Convertible
Rear view showing the triple taillights

Other noticeable trim on the Impala was the rear quarter missile ornaments also had two rearward pointing moldings that were filled with a contrasting color insert, that contained an Impala script and crossed racing flags insignia.

The original sales brochure told us, ‘Fisher Body richness and good taste are the mark of Impala interiors. All seats in all Impala models have luxurious foam cushioning’.

red / white interior of a 60 Chevy Impala convertible showing the dash
Beautiful interior

Chevrolet’s HI-THRIFT 6 was standard even for the Impala. However, for another $107 you could get a 170 horsepower 283 Turbo-Fire V8. However, the original owner of this car opted for the more powerful 348 cubic inch Turbo-Thrust with 3 x 2-barrel carburetors giving 280 horsepower. Paired with a Turboglide automatic transmission it was a $478 option.

348 cubic inch Turbo-Thrust with tri-power on a 1960 Chevy Impala
348 cubic inch Turbo-Thrust with tri-power

Impala Standard Equipment

Deluxe steering wheel Rich floor coverings
Anodized aluminum trim Electric clock
Back-up lights Glove compartment light
Parking brake warning light

Some Available Chevrolet Options in 1960

Option Price
Power brakes $43
Power steering $75
Power windows $102
Air conditioning $468
Heavy-duty battery $8
Power seat (6-way) $87
Power seat (4-way) $65
Manual radio $56
Push-button radio $72

Chevrolet sold 79,903 Impala convertibles for 1960 with the base price at $2,847 and with Sport Coupe sales totaling 204,467 at a base price of $2,597.

This ’60 Impala Convertible is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for even more photos)

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